Which axis runs from the nose to the tail and controls roll?

Which axis runs from the nose to the tail and controls roll?

• A. Vertical Axis
• B. Longitudinal Axis
• C. Lateral Axis
• D. Diagonal Axis

Answer: (B)

Roll is rotation about the axis that runs along the length of the airplane from nose to tail—the longitudinal axis. When you bank, the aircraft tilts around this axis, and the ailerons create differing lift on the wings to produce that roll motion. In contrast, the vertical axis runs top to bottom and controls yaw (nose left or right), while the lateral axis runs wingtip to wingtip and controls pitch (nose up or down). There isn’t a standard “diagonal” axis used for these primary motions. So, the axis that runs nose-to-tail and controls roll is the longitudinal axis.

Roll is rotation about the axis that runs along the length of the airplane from nose to tail—the longitudinal axis. When you bank, the aircraft tilts around this axis, and the ailerons create differing lift on the wings to produce that roll motion. In contrast, the vertical axis runs top to bottom and controls yaw (nose left or right), while the lateral axis runs wingtip to wingtip and controls pitch (nose up or down). There isn’t a standard “diagonal” axis used for these primary motions. So, the axis that runs nose-to-tail and controls roll is the longitudinal axis.